Image tiles can transform walls quickly and easily

Framed photos and mementoes are good go-to solutions for filling empty wall space.

But image tiles give people the option of decorating quickly and inexpensively, but still with a sense of style.

Transform bedroom walls. Make dorm rooms pop. Spotlight artwork, either bought or personally produced. And if and when the look grows tiresome, simply remove. What separates them from simple framed pieces is their ease.

The idea behind these acrylic tiles comes from Marcia Russell of DIG53, a design fabrication business in Northridge. People can upload the images of their artwork — for example vacation shots, party moments, favorite quotes or prized wedding photos — add text and then have them printed directly onto the tiles using high-definition printers. The ink is protected and won’t rub off. The result is a piece of affordable, modern art that is easy to put up and easy to personalize.

“The inspiration came from the number of my friends who are artists. One is a photographer who was having trouble displaying the art for shows in an affordable way. These tiles solved that and they’re affordable, too,” said Russell, who along with her business partner Mary Molnar have launched Diggityart.com.

They hope to continue that artist relationship on the website by featuring individual artists’ sites each month. The company’s Featured Artist Page, which is launching soon, is designed to draw attention to artists’ work while allowing select pieces to be bought at prices ranging from $12 to $15.

Briana Perkins is Russell’s niece and is helping with the launch.

“The tiles can be used to form whatever shape you want, just find a wall stud. I lived in New York for 10 years and moved around so I know what it’s like to put things up on walls and than worry when you take them down. This is a great method that won’t cause any damage,” she said.

“These tiles are compatible with any décor design and there’s no need for matting. If you want borders, we can create them. And if we have an earthquake, these won’t fall off the wall and kill you,” Russell said with a laugh.

The 16-inch by 16-inch acrylic squares are 1/8-inch thick, lightweight and portable. They cost $35 per tile, plus shipping.